I will lower the moon for you

by Becca Randall

He picked me up in his arms the next second. He didn't even bother to hide what he had on his mind. He was shamelessly stripping me with his eyes. Soon, we were in his room. The love of my life made me submit, claimed me as his, and washed away even the last speck of doubt that my fragile heart could withhold.

  Chapter 33

  Sunday bliss

  Emma

  Next day was a Sunday, and after having breakfast with Jake, he told he had two conference calls scheduled until noon.

  "Do you ever stop working? Sometimes it's hard to say that you are the boss, and I am the employee."

  Jake chuckled, "well it's a myth when people say the boss doesn't work or work any less. My father worked hard to build this company, and I will never want to disappoint him." He took me in his embrace and gave me a warm smile.

  "I understand Jake. I am sure he would be very proud of you." I inched closer and gave him a soft peck on his lips.

  "Let's go for dinner later today. It's a date." He kissed my forehead and quickly left the room as his phone was ringing madly by now.

  I went back to lie down on the bed. I decided to call my dad and let him know about Jake. My heart was racing in anticipation. I was so nervous about confronting my parents.

  Come on, Emma. They still think that you stay at your apartment. Call them now.

  I dialled my dad's number, but it went unanswered. Next, I dialled my mom instead, she picked up after a few rings.

  "Hi, Mom! How are you?"

  "Hi, sweetheart. I am good. How are you?"

  "I am good too, mom. Just been a bit busy."

  "Yes, it’s been a while. When are you coming to visit us?"

  "I will plan soon, mom. I promise. Where is dad? I called him earlier."

  "He is on gardening duty today, our lawn has been a mess since days, so I gave him strict orders that he won't get any breakfast until he clears it up."

  "Aww, poor fellow. I better not disturb him then." I chuckled imagining dad doing gardening. He hated it.

  "Is there something you wanted to talk about sweetheart? I can get Taylor on line."

  "No, mom. It's fine... Umm... I wanted to tell you both about something... umm... someone...actually."

  "Wow. We are going to talk boys." Mom shrieked in excitement on the other side of the phone, while I could just roll me eyes here.

  Who says parents can't be weird? Mostly, my mom, she had always been way too curious about my love life.

  "Relax mom. His name is Jake. I met him briefly in Corsica and then again recently. We are seeing each other ever since I went to Norway...."

  "Wow. It's been more than a month, isn't it? And you are telling me only now. How is he? Is he cute?"

  "Sorry, Mom. I wanted to be sure first. He is nice and cares about me a lot, and I feel very strongly about him too."

  "Aww, I am happy to see you move on, Emma. When are you making us meet him?"

  "Soon, mom. I promise, very soon."

  Suddenly I heard my dad's voice calling my mother.

  "I am sure your dad will love to meet him too, Emma. I am going to tell him now."

  "Yes, mom. You go ahead and talk to him. I will call you guys later."

  "Take Care, sweetheart. I am glad you called today".

  "Me too, mom. Take care." I sighed as soon as I disconnected the call.

  That wasn't bad at all.

  Yes, why would it be bad? You hid most of the shocking details. For starters, his full name and a close second would be your current postal code. My conscience reprimanded me.

  I shrugged my inner thoughts for being so blatantly honest all the time. I was scared to tell my parents that Jake is not an ordinary guy, he was a billionaire. Trouble and danger were like his last name. They will freak out when they know all that was happening right now, but I was determined take one step at a time; and for starters, I did well today.

  I was lost in my thoughts when again, I heard some hustle right outside my room. This time I was quick in jumping up and opening the door to see what it was.

  The moment I peeked outside; I saw a faint figure at the far end of the corridor.

  "Who is it?" I screamed. However, before I could see the face or figure who it was, that person was quick to run away and disappear in this big maze-like house.

  What the hell has been happening? I always feel that someone is keeping an eye on me like I am always being watched. I failed to understand, who could this be, given we were living in such tight security?

  Or is it an insider's job? This is not good. I had to get to the bottom of this. I was determined in my head that I will find out what the hell was happening here.

  I was so anxious, I decided to go out and swim as the weather had been surprisingly warm today, and with the onset of winters, I might not get the option to be in the water for months after this. I changed into my swimwear, wore a bath robe and headed straight to the pool. Being in the water, really helped me calm my nerves. I was entirely on edge after today's encounter. I should discuss it with Jake, maybe before it's too late.

  I spent almost an hour or so in water before heading back to take a quick shower in our room.

  As soon as I opened my wardrobe, I could sense foul play. I was quite organized about my things, and I could easily spot if something were not in the right place.

  Someone was in here and have gone through my things. I was pretty sure of it.

  I was getting angry now, how dare someone invade my privacy and touch my things without my permission?

  Suddenly, I heard someone enter the room again. This time around, I did not want to take any chances. I quickly turned around and ran into the room.

  "Who is it? You won't get away this time." Without thinking or seeing, I just yelled like a madwoman.

  To my relief, it was Jake.

  "Hey relax Ninja, it's me. Are you alright? You sound angry and disturbed?"

  "Jake!" I ran in his arms and hugged him tightly. I was so relieved to see it was him.

  "What happened Emma? Did you get scared or something?"

  "Umm yes, I thought someone got into our room, unannounced."

  "Who could it be except me? Just calm down, I am here for you. It's ok to be alert with all the weird things that are happening right now. But this house is safe, don't worry." He whispered while rubbing my back, my bare back, giving me shivers just by his mere touch. We hugged for a while, and I felt better in his arms, that's when the realization hit me.

  I was so paranoid. I didn't see I came out just wrapped in a tiny towel. Suddenly, my heartbeat was pacing, I was in Jake's embrace practically wearing nothing but a towel. He stepped back and gave me a thorough look from top to bottom. His eyes were lusting for me. I couldn't help but blush at his bold stares while dodging direct eye contact. I moved my body weight from one leg to the other and was nervously looking down. His lips curled up high forming a small smirk. He traced his finger on my bare shoulder, and then slowly slid his fingers behind my neck, giving me a gentle, sensuous stroke. He then feathered down at the rim of my towel, teasing me and sending electric waves through my body.

  I couldn't help but arch back, letting out a deep moan reciprocating to his soft yet intimate touch.

  In a swift motion, he jerked my towel and set it free.

  I was standing in front of his blue latching eyes, all stripped. Bare. I indeed sold my soul to this devil.

  "You are gorgeous Emma". He came closer and held my bare body while whispering in my ear. I was so shy that I dig my head on his chest, clutching his shirt in my wrists, embracing him tightly.

  He picked me up and took me to bed. He gave me a passionate kiss on my lips before lowering me down on the mattress. He then quickly removed his shirt and closed the gap between us.

  "You have no idea what you do to me, Emma. I can love you every single second of the day." He whispered in my ear before giving me hot wet kisses in the hollow of my neck.

  "Jake!" I whispered back.

  "Shh... allow me to help you ca
lm down." With that, he claimed my lips again, as his hands ran down on every single inch of my body. We made love for hours after that.

  ***

  The entire day flew by. It was late evening, and we were closely wrapped in each other's arms between nothing except the white sheets.

  "I have an evening planned for our date. You must be hungry." Jake brushed my cheeks softly with the back of his hand.

  "Really? What have you planned? And honestly, I am starving."

  "I thought so. I am sorry I exhaust you, but it's you who is to blame for this."

  "Really? How is that?"

  "Yes, you stood all sexy in front of me, wrapped in a tiny towel. A small tip, next time you feel scared about having a stranger enter our room, put on some clothes before running out." His chuckle made me blush.

  "Pervert. Next time I will beat the shit out of the intruder."

  "That's bold coming from a tiny you. I would love to watch you in action." His laugh filled our room.

  "Hey I am stronger than you think, you will see." I revolted by giving him a small slap on his chest.

  "I am sure love. And you won't have to ever fight on your own. I am always going to protect you." He cupped my face and gave me a soft kiss on my forehead.

  "If you don't want me to change my mind and trap you here in bed again, let's just move and get ready." He warned me, and I flipped the duvet as reflux.

  "No, of course. I am going to freshen up." I wriggled out of his hold and ran straight to the washroom.

  We both got dressed and ready, and we were heading for our date. The moment we entered the car, I realised I left my clutch in the room.

  "Hey, I will go fetch it in a minute." I quickly left the car and ran inside.

  I was moving past the kitchen and was about to head upstairs when I heard whispers. I carefully tiptoed to the direction from where the sound came from.

  "We cannot risk anyone knowing it. Especially not Emma." The strange whispers said. I got alarmed the moment I heard my name.

  I tried to listen more clearly, "No, I didn't find anything suspicious yet, but I will keep you informed." The stranger was whispering on the phone it seems, as I could only hear half the conversation. Suddenly, I heard footsteps, and I got alarmed.

  I quickly walked past the staircase, and now pretended as if I was climbing down the stairs.

  That's when I saw who was the owner of that conversation.

  "Oh, dear! What are you doing here? Didn't you leave for dinner earlier?"

  I was bewildered for a second. I didn't know how to register and respond to the person who had been snooping around the house and kept an eye on me.

  Chapter 34

  Not just a rumor

  Emma

  "Umm yes, we left, I came back as I forgot something. Jake is waiting in the car. I should rather rush." I stuttered nervously, and without waiting a minute further, I rushed out to the gate to join Jake in the car.

  "What took you so long? Did you find your clutch?"

  "Umm, yes, but I decided not to carry it anyway". I dodged his question and took a deep breath to calm myself down.

  Jake had reserved a candle light dinner for us on the open rooftop of a luxurious hotel. As soon as we entered, I was spellbound looking at the decorations.

  "Wow. This place looks amazing, Jake".

  "I am glad you liked it. Come." He extended his hand to take mine and led us to our table, set right in the center, neatly decorated with small star shape candles. He got me seated and went ahead to sit across.

  We both ordered our food, and that's when I realised we were the only ones present here.

  "Why is there no crowd at all? I know this place is top-notch, didn't know its exclusive."

  "Well, I booked it entirely for us."

  "Really? But why? I don't like this special treatment all the time. It's okay to be normal too, you know." I rolled my eyes, a tad bit annoyed. I didn't mean to sound rude, but I was already put off by what I heard back home.

  "I am sorry I just tried to make it special for us, with full privacy, as you always feel uncomfortable having too many guards watching us. If you notice, it's just us today, nobody else."

  "Really?" I looked around to scan my surroundings, in an attempt to spot any one of Jake's many security guards, but found none.

  "Yes, there is nobody except us. Augustin got the place scanned before our arrival, and they are all downstairs."

  "I am sorry Jake; I didn't mean to be rude. I appreciate your efforts, I do. It's just today I am kind of disturbed".

  "What happened Emma? You know you can talk to

  me?"

  "I don't know how to ask you this, but what do you think of Aunt Olivia?"

  "Aunt Olivia? She is like a mother to me. I grew up in her care. Why what happened?" I read his expression. It didn't look good.

  "Umm... nothing in particular. I think I heard her talk to someone about me. She seems to be a bit off. I think she doesn't like me." I found it hard to explain him in the right words.

  "What are you implying Emma? She has been a part of our family since years now, I trust her blindly."

  "I know, I am sorry. Ever since I got here, I have a feeling that someone has been keeping an eye on me. Today I felt my stuff was checked upon too."

  "Emma, relax. I think you are just over-thinking. All this has been overwhelming for you. I trust Aunt Olivia. Nothing is off about her, I am sure."

  "But I heard Jake..."

  "Yes, maybe she generally talked about you to someone, it's okay if she did. She is still getting to know you. Don't feel paranoid. Trust me." He cut me off and then placed his hand on top of mine, giving it a gentle squeeze

  I was not convinced at all, but clearly, Jake's years of trust on his aunt was hard to tear through. I felt terrible as he didn't trust my words immediately, but we had only known each other for a couple of months now.

  I took a deep breath and decided to let it go, for now at least. I will just be alert for the time being and look for some proof before bringing up this topic again.

  I nodded, looking deep in his eyes. He was oblivious to a lot of things around him. I needed to be on guard for his sake, if not anything else.

  I smiled warmly at him, which immediately relaxed him as he smiled back. Soon our food was served, and we both hogged as we were so hungry.

  "You know Emma. I think I have an idea to ease things a bit."

  "You do? Like what?" I took another bite of my steak before replying to him.

  "Too much happened too soon for us. You’re moving in, living in my parent's house, meeting my mom and then lunching with Erica. It's a lot and not normal at all."

  I pondered on his words before nodding, "I agree. What are you suggesting?"

  "I think you are entitled to have a breather. For starters, we start work tomorrow, which is good for both of us; and then you should invite your friends over. Having familiar faces around will feel like routine again."

  "You mean we invite them over to your family house? Are you sure?"

  "Yes, why not? I would like to meet your friends too. I hardly have met people who are close to you, your friends, your family. I would very much like to be a part of their lives too." He looked at me tenderly. His composed face emanated love and honesty.

  You got lucky the second time Emma. He was always so thoughtful. My heart felt touched and was swooning over his gestures.

  "That's a great idea, Jake. By the way, I told my mom about you today. I called her in the morning."

  "You did? Did you tell her you are living with me?" His face lit up at my words.

  "Umm no. I just mentioned we are dating. I did not want to scare her at a go. But I do intend to make you meet them very soon."

  "Of course, Emma. Whenever you decide." He intertwined our fingers and lowered his head to kiss the back of my hand.

  "Great. It's settled then. I will invite Niki and Britney over, and maybe Max and Barry too, you know? They can keep you company.
And soon after we will visit my parents." I was excited. He did succeed in changing my mood, after all.

  "Absolutely. This Thursday is off, by the way, it's kind of kiddish, but it's Halloween night. We can have them over and watch horror movies together. We can use our entertainment room."

  "You have an entertainment room?" Even though he was a billionaire, but it still wasn't normal for me to have such luxurious resources available at our beck and call.

  "Yes, in the west wing. It has the best screen and sound system. I will give you a tour."

  "Remind me, who are you again? It's hard to keep pace with your rich, luxurious lifestyle." My tone and words were both laced with sarcasm.

  "Well, I am sure you will get used to it. So, tell me, are you okay with this idea?"

  "Yes. Sounds great." I had the widest grin on my face.

  We both spent a good evening after that and then headed back home together. As promised by him, I enjoyed our private dinner a lot. On our way back, I decided to send a message to both my girlfriends together, so I started a group chat.

  Emma - Hey, Girls! I am planning something exciting. This Thursday!

  Britney - What is it, babe?

  Niki - Oh! You finally found time to think about us. You have been ghosting on us ever since you moved in with him.

  Niki had been a bit mad at me since the past week. She flipped when I told her about Jake's apartment and that we moved in together, that too right after the next day of losing my virginity to him. Long story short, she found all this to be dangerous, unreal and going at lightning speed. As always, she was worried about me and not entirely approved of the situation. I continued to reply to both of them.

  Emma - Hey, Niki. Don't be still mad at me, please. I am trying to make up to you both.

  Thursday night, early dinner followed by a movie at Jake's place. You both are invited, get Barry and Max too.

  Britney - Thursday night? It's Halloween night. Trick or Treat? Haha!

  Niki - Really? Halloween? What are we? 12?

  Emma - Hey, Come on, guys. I know we are not kids. It will be fun, nevertheless. Jake wants to meet you both